Constant Content

I recognize that with the internet, many things can be considered "common knowledge" and citing the source of the information may not be necessary in most cases. However, coming from an academic environment, I'm used to very carefully citing all the sources of my research.

My question is: how do other writers approach this? If the article is about cats, and you personally know nothing about cats (so you have to research cats as a general topic), how do you treat the content? As "common" or "general" knowledge? Do you research through the internet (where so many bits of information are not cited), or do you read books and magazines for inspiration/reasearch? Do you feel it is necessary to mention these web sites, books, or articles? Do you give credit to the authors, either in the article itself or as a small bibliography posted at the end of the article?

I'd appreciate any takes on this subject. I don't want to clutter articles with unnecessary source notes, but I also want to give credit where it is due.

*Most* of the information you write for web content is common or general knowledge and does not need to be attributed. This is very different from academic writing where you are trying to break new ground with each paper.

Using your cats example, even if you didn't know the facts you are stating until you researched them, use the following guidelines:
*Do multiple sources agree on the information?
*Is it a unique approach or fact based on a specific research study or does the basis for the info come from various places?

IN other words, the facts that cats are carnivores and the standard ways to treat urinary tract infections in felines are common knowledge and need no attribution. A description of a very specific surgical procedure that breaks away from the norm and was developed by a single doctor or veterinary research facility *would* need attribution.

Sometimes it is useful to have attribution to lend credence to an article. If you don't have the time/werewithal or pay rate to justify an interview, some of the following may help:

* cite govt sources: Ex: "According to the FDA website, trans fats add no nutritional value to the human diet..."

* Look for press releases with official quotes -- these are meant to be reproduced. Ex: "Bob Johnson of the Dairy Council indicated 'milk is good'"

Hope this makes sense/helps.

Thanks, Ann. That helps a lot!